Dispensing assemblies and related methods

ABSTRACT

A dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid generally includes a container having a handle located toward an upper portion of the container, and a sprayer having arms extending away from the sprayer. The arms of the sprayer define a channel configured to receive at least part of the handle of the container within the channel to thereby couple the sprayer to the container. Such a dispensing assembly can be made by forming the container with a handle located toward an upper portion of the container, and forming the sprayer with the arms such that the arms can be used to couple the sprayer to the handle of the container, where the arms extend away from the sprayer and define the channel for receiving at least part of the handle of the container into the channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/695,030, filed on Apr. 23, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/435,357, filed on Apr. 13, 2015 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,975,663 issued on May 22, 2018), which is a U.S.National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2013/064815, filedon Oct. 14, 2013, which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/714,018, filed on Oct. 15, 2012, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/840,266, filed on Jun. 27, 2013. Theentire disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to dispensing assemblies, andto methods of making and using such dispensing assemblies.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Fluids such as pesticides and herbicides are often used in and aroundhomes, lawns and gardens to kill undesirable insects, plants, etc.Typically, the fluids are provided in bottles. And, sprayers are coupledto the bottles by tubing for applying the fluids to desired targets.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate todispensing assemblies for dispensing fluids. In one example embodiment,such a dispensing assembly generally includes a container having ahandle located toward an upper portion of the container, and a sprayerhaving an arm extending away from an upper surface of the sprayer. Thearm defines a channel configured to receive at least part of the handleof the container within the channel to thereby couple the sprayer to thecontainer.

In another example embodiment, a dispensing assembly generally includesa container having an upper portion, and a sprayer having an armextending away from the sprayer. The arm of the sprayer is configured tocouple to the container such that an upper surface of the sprayer isgenerally coplanar with the upper portion of the container.

In another example embodiment, a dispensing assembly generally includesa container having a handle located toward an upper portion of thecontainer for use in carrying the container, and a sprayer having a clipportion for use in coupling the sprayer to the container. The clipportion of the sprayer defines a channel configured to receive at leastpart of the handle of the container within the channel to thereby couplethe sprayer to the container.

In another example embodiment, a dispensing assembly generally includesa container having an upper portion and a handle located toward theupper portion of the container for use in carrying the container, and asprayer having a head portion and first and second arms extending awayfrom the head portion. The first and second arms are configured toreceive at least part the handle of the container between the arms forcoupling the sprayer to the container.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure also generally relate tomethods of making dispensing assemblies suitable for use in dispensingfluids. In one example embodiment, such a method generally includesforming a container having a handle located toward an upper portion ofthe container, and forming a sprayer having a clip portion for couplingthe sprayer to the handle of the container, where the clip portionextends away from the sprayer and defines a channel configured toreceive at least part of the handle of the container into the channel tothereby couple the sprayer to the handle of the container.

In another example embodiment, a method of making a dispensing assemblygenerally includes forming a container having a handle located toward anupper portion of the container, and forming a sprayer having first andsecond arms extending away from the sprayer for coupling the sprayer tothe handle of the container. The first and second arms then define achannel therebetween configured to receive at least part of the handleof the container into the channel to thereby couple the sprayer to thehandle of the container.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the dispensing assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a container of the dispensing assemblyof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another perceptive view of the container of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the container of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a section view of the container taken in a plane includingline 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a section view of the container taken in a plane include line9-9 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sprayer of the dispensing assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sprayer of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the sprayer of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the sprayer of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the sprayer of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the sprayer of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the dispensing assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the dispensing assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the dispensing assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a section view of the dispensing assembly taken in a planeincluding line 19-19 in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a section view of the dispensing assembly taken in a planeincluding line 20-20 in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according toanother example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of a sprayer of the dispensing assemblyof FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according toanother example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a rear elevation view of a sprayer of the dispensing assemblyof FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the sprayer of the dispensingassembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an arm of the sprayer of the dispensingassembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according toanother example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a rear elevation view of a sprayer of the dispensing assemblyof FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of the sprayer of the dispensingassembly of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an arm of the sprayer of the dispensingassembly of FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according toanother example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of a sprayer of the dispensing assemblyof FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according toanother example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a side elevation view of a sprayer of the dispensing assemblyof FIG. 33 with an arm of the sprayer shown folded generally downwardly;

FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of the sprayer of the dispensingassembly of FIG. 33 with the arm of the sprayer shown folded generallyupwardly for use in coupling the sprayer to the container;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according toanother example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is another perspective view of the dispensing assembly of FIG.36;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a sprayer of the dispensing assembly ofFIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the sprayer of the dispensingassembly of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the sprayer of FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a front elevation view of the sprayer of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a rear elevation view of the sprayer of FIG. 38; and

FIG. 43 is a side elevation view of the sprayer of FIG. 38.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate todispensing assemblies, and to methods of making and using suchdispensing assemblies. The dispensing assemblies can be used to dispensefluids (e.g., desired liquid formulations, etc.) at desired locationsand to apply the fluids at desired targets such as, for example,unwanted pests, plants, etc.

The dispensing assemblies of the present disclosure generally includecontainers for holding the fluids, and sprayers for dispensing thefluids from the containers. Various sizes of containers may be used.And, various types of sprayers may be used (e.g., pump-type sprayers,piston-operated sprayers, powered sprayers (e.g., battery-poweredsprayers, etc.), etc.).

In some aspects of the present disclosure, the sprayers are configuredto couple to the containers, for example, for use in packaging thedispensing assemblies, shipping the dispensing assemblies, storing thedispensing assemblies, etc.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, the sprayers are configuredto at least partly nest with the containers when coupled thereto. Forexample, walls of the containers may define recesses configured toreceive (and allow for nesting of) the sprayers within the recesses whenthe sprayers are coupled to the containers. In one example embodiment, afront wall of a container defines a recess configured to receive asprayer when the sprayer is coupled to the container (such that thesprayer nests generally within the front wall of the container). As partof this nesting feature, upper surfaces, portions, etc. of the sprayersmay be disposed generally along, generally coplanar with, generallyaligned with, etc. upper surfaces, portions, etc. of the containers whenthe sprayers are coupled to the containers. In addition, end (e.g.,rearward end, forward end, etc.) surfaces, portions, etc. of thesprayers may be disposed generally along, generally coplanar with,generally aligned with, etc. end (e.g., rearward end, forward end, etc.)surfaces, portions, etc. of the containers when the sprayers are coupledto the containers. And further, the sprayers and the containers may bedisposed within footprints of the containers and/or within perimetersdefined by the containers when the sprayers are coupled to thecontainers.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, the sprayers may have clipportions configured to engage (e.g., resiliently engage, frictionallyengage, engage based on gravity, etc.) the containers (e.g., handleportions of the containers, other portions of the containers, etc.) forcoupling the sprayers to the containers. The clip portions may haveshapes (e.g., L-shapes, shapes with lips, arcuate shapes, shapes withtabs, shapes configured to mate with the containers, etc.) configured toengage the containers.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, clip portions of the sprayersmay include arms extending away from the sprayers and defining channelsconfigured to receive at least part of the containers within thechannels to couple the sprayers to the containers. The arms may extendat least partly around portions (e.g., handle portions, other portions,etc.) of the containers to thereby couple the sprayers to thecontainers. The arms may be monolithically formed with the sprayers, orthe arms may be formed separately from the sprayers and attached thereto(e.g., welded to the sprayers, staked to the sprayers, frictionallycoupled to the sprayers, releasably coupled to the sprayers, pivotallycoupled to the sprayers, etc.). Further, in some aspects of the presentdisclosure, the containers may include grooves configured to receive atleast part of the arms of the sprayers into the grooves when thesprayers are coupled to containers.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, clip portions of the sprayersmay include ribs that help support and reinforce the clip portions. Inaddition, in some of these aspects, the ribs may be configured (e.g.,sized, shaped, etc.) to engage a portion of the containers, when thesprayers are coupled to the containers, to help inhibit undesiredmovement (or play) of the sprayers relative to the containers.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, the containers may havehandles located toward upper portions of the containers, and the arms ofthe sprayers may have shapes (e.g., L-shapes, shapes with lips, roundedshapes, etc.) configured to extend at least partly around the handles ofthe containers to thereby couple the sprayers to the containers.Further, in some aspects, the handles of the containers may includegrooves configured to receive at least part of the arms of the sprayersinto the grooves when the sprayers are coupled to containers.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, the containers may notinclude handles located toward upper portions of the containers. Here,the clip portions of the sprayers may be configured to engage (e.g.,resiliently snap-fit to, etc.) other portions of the containers forcoupling the sprayers to the containers. For example, the containers maybe formed with other structure configured to receive the clip portions.And, the sprayers can thus be coupled to the containers such that upperportions of the sprayers are generally coplanar, aligned, etc. withupper portions of the containers. In addition, the sprayers may also bedisposed within footprints of the containers and/or within perimetersdefined by the containers when the sprayers are coupled to thecontainers.

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1-20 illustrate an example embodiment of a dispensing assembly 100according to the present disclosure. The dispensing assembly 100 can beused in applications such as, for example, pest control, weed control,etc. In connection with such applications, the dispensing assembly 100can be used in settings such as residential settings, commercialsettings, etc. in and around homes, businesses, lawns, gardens, etc.And, any desired fluid may be used (e.g., dispensed, etc.) in connectionwith the dispensing assembly 100 including, for example, pesticides,herbicides, other liquid formulations, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dispensing assembly 100 generallyincludes a container 104 and a sprayer 106. The container 104 isconfigured to hold fluid for use in the desired application of thedispensing assembly 100. And, the sprayer 106 is configured to drawfluid out of the container 104 for dispensing, applying, etc. the fluidat desired targets (e.g., unwanted insects, plants, etc.) associatedwith the application of the dispensing assembly 100.

The sprayer 106 of the illustrated dispensing assembly 100 can beselectively coupled to and uncoupled, removed, etc. from the container104. For example, the sprayer 106 can be coupled (e.g., resilientlysnap-fit, etc.) to the container 104 for commercial presentation (e.g.,at the point of sale of the dispensing assembly 100, etc.), for storage,for transport, etc. of the dispensing assembly 100. Then, the sprayer106 can be uncoupled from the container 104 when desired to dispense thefluid from the container 104 (via the sprayer 106). And, the sprayer 106can then be recoupled (e.g., resiliently snap-fit, etc.) to thecontainer 104 again for storage, transport, etc. This will be describedin more detail hereinafter.

As shown in FIGS. 3-9, the container 104 of the illustrated dispensingassembly 100 includes an upper portion 110, a lower portion 112,generally opposing forward and rearward walls 114, 116, and generallyopposing side walls 118, 120. The upper portion 110, the lower portion112, and the walls 114, 116, 118, 120 define a volume within thecontainer 104 for holding fluid. The container 104 can have any desiredvolume within the scope of the present disclosure, for example (andwithout limitation), a one-half gallon volume, a one gallon volume, etc.What's more, the container 104 can be formed from any suitable materials(e.g., plastics, polymeric resinous material such as high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), composite materials, etc.) and/or by any suitableprocesses (e.g., molding processes, etc.) within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The upper portion 110 of the container 104 includes a spout 124(broadly, an opening) and a handle 126. The spout 124 is in fluidiccommunication with the container 104 and is configured for receivingfluid into the container 104 and/or for use in dispensing fluid from thecontainer 104. The handle 126 is configured for use in carrying thecontainer 104 (and sprayer 106). The handle 126 extends generallyhorizontally along the upper portion 110 of the container 104, generallybetween the side wall 120 and the spout 124. An opening 128 is definedgenerally between the handle 126 and an upper surface of the container104. The opening 128 is oriented such that, when a user grasps thehandle 126, the user's hand and/or fingers can extend into the opening128 and, if desired, around the handle 126. A groove 130 is providedaround at least part of the handle 126 for use in coupling the sprayer106 to the container 104 (as will be described in more detailhereinafter).

The container 104 also includes a cap 134 (broadly, a cover) removablycoupled to the spout 124. The cap 134 allows for selectively coveringand uncovering the spout 124 to selectively allow and inhibit access tothe fluid in the container 104. In addition, the cap 134 is configuredto fluidically couple the sprayer 106 to the container 104 (as will bedescribed in more detail hereinafter). In the illustrated embodiment,the cap 134 is threaded onto the spout 124. However, in other exampleembodiments, dispensing assemblies may include caps that are coupled tospouts of containers differently, for example, press-fit onto thespouts, snap-fit onto the spouts, friction-fit onto the spouts, coupledto the spouts by fasteners, fixedly coupled to the spouts (e.g., moldedas one piece with the spouts, welded to the spouts, coupled to thespouts via adhesives, etc.), etc.

With reference now to FIGS. 10-15, the sprayer 106 of the illustrateddispensing assembly 100 includes a head portion 106 a, a handle portion106 b, and an actuator 138 (e.g., a trigger, etc.). The head portion 106a and the handle portion 106 b are arranged in a pistol-styleconfiguration, with the handle portion 106 b contoured to receive a handof a user and the actuator 138 located adjacent the handle portion 106 bto receive a finger of the user's hand. As such, in use, a user can withone hand grasp the handle portion 106 b of the sprayer 106 and positiona finger on the actuator 138 for dispensing fluid from the container104, and then with the other hand carry the container 104 via the handle126. The user can then move the actuator 138 (e.g., pull the actuator138 toward the handle portion 106 b, pump the actuator 138, etc.) tothereby dispense fluid from the container 104. As such the dispensingassembly 100 can provide a mobile unit for a user to quickly and easilydispense fluid at desired targets. The sprayer 106 can include suitablevalves and working mechanisms for dispensing (e.g., for drawing,sucking, etc.) fluid from the container 104 within the scope of thepresent disclosure. What's more, the sprayer 106 can be formed from anysuitable materials (e.g., plastics, polymeric resinous material such ashigh density polyethylene (HDPE), composite materials, etc.) and/or byany suitable processes (e.g., molding processes, etc.) within the scopeof the present disclosure. In other example embodiments, dispensingassemblies may include sprayers having head portions and handle portionsarranged in configurations other than pistol-style configurations (e.g.,head portions and handle portions arranged in generally linearconfigurations, etc.).

The sprayer 106 of the illustrated dispensing assembly 100 also includesa clip portion 106 c located adjacent the head portion 106 a for use incoupling the sprayer 106 to the container 104. The clip portion 106 cincludes an arm 142 extending laterally away from the head portion 106a, and ribs 144 disposed along a side surface of the head portion 106 a(generally below the arm 142). The illustrated arm 142 is formedgenerally continuously with an upper surface of the head portion 106 aand defines a generally L-shape. The L-shape arm 142 includes a firstportion 142 a that is generally coplanar, aligned, etc. with the uppersurface of the head portion 106 a and a second portion 142 b extendinggenerally downwardly from the first portion 142 a. A free end of thefirst portion 142 a is generally rounded, curved, etc. to form a lip146. In the illustrated embodiment, the clip portion 106 c is formed asone piece (e.g., monolithically, unitarily, etc.) with the head portion106 a. For example, the clip portion 106 c may be molded as one piecewith the head portion 106 a. In other example embodiments, however,dispensing assemblies may include sprayers with clip portions formedseparately from the sprayers and then subsequently attached thereto. Inaddition, in other example embodiments, dispensing assemblies mayinclude sprayers with clip portions shaped and/or located differentlythan illustrated herein, but still configured to couple the sprayers tocontainers of the dispensing assemblies. Also in the illustratedembodiment, the second portion 142 b of the arm 142 extends generallydownwardly from the first portion 142 a at an angle that is greater thanabout ninety degrees. In other example embodiments, dispensingassemblies may include sprayers with arms having second portions thatextend downwardly from first portions at angles other than illustratedherein, for example, about ninety degrees, less than ninety degrees,etc.

The sprayer 106 of the illustrated dispensing assembly 100 furtherincludes tubing 150 configured to fluidically couple the sprayer 106 tothe container 104 for transporting fluid from the container 104 to thesprayer 106 (for dispensing). The tubing 150 extends through the handleportion 106 b of the sprayer 106 and, at one end portion (not visible),operatively couples to the head portion 106 a of the sprayer 106 (e.g.,to valves, pumps, etc. in the sprayer 106). An opposite end portion 150a of the tubing 150 is then configured to selectively couple to the cap134 of the container 104 (e.g., when desired to dispense fluid from thecontainer 104, etc.). The tubing 150 is generally flexible. And, theflexibility of the tubing 150 permits the sprayer 106 to be moved in anydirection relative to the container 104. With that said, the end portion150 a of the tubing 150 can couple to the cap 134 of the container 104by any suitable operations. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,469,993 (the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference), the cap 134 may include a dip tube (not shown) extendinginto the container 104 through the spout 124 and a nozzle (e.g., aspout, etc.) (not shown) in fluidic communication with the dip tube. Thetubing 150 can then couple (e.g., via a connector on the end portion ofthe tubing 150, etc.) to the nozzle. The nozzle may then be configuredto pivot between an open position in which fluid can be drawn out of thecontainer 104 by the sprayer 106, and a closed position inhibiting suchmovement of the fluid (the tubing 150 may remain coupled to the nozzle,or the tubing 150 may be uncoupled from the nozzle as desired).

In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 106 b of the sprayer106 is generally hollow. As such, the tubing 150 can be positionedwithin the handle portion 106 b when not in use (e.g., for storage,etc.). When desired to dispense fluid from the container 104 using thesprayer 106, the tubing 150 can then be removed from the handle portion106 b of the sprayer 106 and coupled to the container 104, via the cap134, for providing fluid from the container 104 to the sprayer 106through the tubing 150. After such use, the tubing 150 may be uncoupledfrom the cap 134 of the container 104 and repositioned within the handleportion 106 b of the sprayer 106 (if desired). In other exampleembodiments, dispensing assemblies may include structure separate fromsprayers of the dispensing assemblies for use in holding, receiving,storing, etc. tubing (e.g., compartments, containers, etc. formed on,coupled to, etc. containers of the dispensing assemblies).

FIGS. 16-20 illustrate the dispensing assembly 100 with the sprayer 106coupled to the container 104. The sprayer 106 is disposed generallyalong the forward wall 114 of the container 104, generally within arecess 154 defined by the forward wall 114. The head portion 106 a ofthe sprayer 106 is disposed adjacent the opening 128 of the container104 (e.g., next to the opening 128 of the container 104, at least partlyin the opening 128 of the container 104, at the same vertical level asthe opening 128 of the container 104, etc.) and toward the side wall 120of the container 104. The actuator 138 of the sprayer 106 is locatedgenerally above the recess 154, and at the same general level as theopening 128 of the container 104. A forward portion of the handle 126 isreceived within a channel 156 defined by the ribs 144 of the sprayer106. And, the arm 142 of the sprayer 106 is positioned over the handle126, generally within the groove 130 of the handle 126, with the handle126 generally received within a channel 158 defined by the arm 142. Inthis position, the generally first portion 142 a of the arm 142 isdisposed along an upper portion of the handle 126, the generally secondportion 142 b of the arm 142 is disposed along a rearward portion of thehandle 126, and the lip 146 of the arm 142 is disposed generally underthe handle 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 142 of thesprayer 106 is resiliently flexible to accommodate positioning (andrepeated repositioning) of the arm 142 over (and partly around) thehandle 126 (e.g., for repeated removal and reattachment of the sprayer106 to the handle 126 of the container 104, etc.). As such, the sprayer106 (via the arm 142) is resiliently snap fit onto the handle 126 of thecontainer 104 in the illustrated embodiment. Further, the weight of thesprayer 106 combined with the offset positioning of the arm 142(together with the snap fit coupling of the sprayer 106 onto the handle126 of the container 104) may help hold (e.g., via a counterbalanceeffect, etc.) the sprayer on the container 104. In other exampleembodiments, dispensing assemblies may include sprayers and containerswhere the weight of the sprayers combined with offset positioning ofarms on the sprayers help hold the sprayers on the containers (e.g.,with the arms of the sprayers positioned at least partly over portionsof the containers and independent of snap fit couplings of the sprayersonto the containers, etc.).

To uncouple the sprayer 106 from the container 104, the arm 142 of thesprayer 106 can be biased to release the lip 146 from under the handle126. The sprayer 106 can then be pivoted off the handle 126 to move theentire arm 142 out of the groove 130 of the handle 126. Alternatively,the sprayer 106 can be initially pivoted away from the forward wall 114of the container 104 to release the handle 126 from the channel 156defined by the ribs 144 of the sprayer 106. And, the arm 142 of thesprayer 106 can then be manipulated to release the lip 146 from underthe handle 126.

As previously stated, in other example embodiments, dispensingassemblies may include sprayers with clip portions shaped and/or locateddifferently than illustrated herein. For example, dispensing assembliesmay include sprayers having clip portions with arms having shapes otherthan L-shapes (e.g., C-shapes, etc.), but that are still configured tocouple (e.g., snap-fit, etc.) the sprayers to handles of containers ofthe dispensing assemblies. Also for example, dispensing assemblies mayinclude sprayers having clip portions with arms that define shapes thatgenerally correspond to shapes of handles of containers to which thesprayers are to be releasably coupled.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clip portion 106 c of the sprayer 106resiliently snap-fits to the handle 126 of the container 104. Thisallows for quick coupling and uncoupling of the sprayer 106 to and fromthe handle 126 of the container 104. In addition, the clip portion 106 cprovides a generally self-contained attachment means of the sprayer 106to the container 104. Additional fasteners are not required to couplethe sprayer 106 to the container 104. Further, the clip portion 106 csecurely couples the sprayer 106 to the container 104 againstinadvertent removal such that, in preparation for initial shipping andsale of the dispensing assembly 100, additional securing means (e.g.,adhesive such as glue and tape, mechanical straps, shrink wrap, etc.)are not required for securing the sprayer 106 to the container 104.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the sprayer 106 is coupled to thecontainer 104 generally within a footprint defined by the container 104(see, e.g., FIG. 15, etc.), and generally within a perimeter defined bythe upper portion 110, lower portion 112, and walls 114, 116, 118, 120of the container 104 (see, e.g., FIGS. 16 and 17, etc.). The recess 154defined by the forward wall 114 of the container 104 is configured toaccommodate and receive substantially the entire sprayer 106 (e.g., thesprayer 106 nests within the recess 154 against the forward wall 114 ofthe container 104, etc.). As such, a forward side surface of the sprayer106 is generally flush with a non-recessed surface portion of theforward wall 114. In addition, an upper surface of the head portion 106a and clip portion 106 c of the sprayer 106 are generally flush,coplanar, etc. with the upper surface of the handle 126. And, a rightside surface (as viewed in FIG. 18) of the sprayer 106 is generallyflush with the side wall 120 of the container 104. Thus, the sprayer 106occupies no additional shelf space or box space than the container 104would without the sprayer 106, which can allow the dispensing assembly100 to be compactly boxed, stored, shipped, displayed, etc.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the sprayer 106 is coupled to thehandle 126 of the container 104 toward the upper portion of thecontainer 104. As such, the recess 154 defined by the forward wall 114of the container 104 is positioned generally higher on the container 104which provides more volume within the container 104 below the recess 154(as compared to other known containers). As a result, the overall depthof the container 104 (extending between the forward wall 114 andrearward wall 116) can be reduced without decreasing a total volume ofthe container 104. For example, the depth of the container 104 may bereduced by at least about 0.25 inches or more without decreasing thetotal volume of the container 104. In turn, the footprint of thecontainer 104 can be reduced without decreasing the total volume of thecontainer 104. What's more, the actuator 138 of the sprayer 106 islocated generally above the recess 154, such that the recess can have agenerally generic shape without having to specifically accommodate theactuator 138.

Further in the illustrated embodiment, the sprayer 106 is coupled to thecontainer 104 along the forward wall 114 of the container 104. Thispositions the sprayer 106 in an immediately visible location to users(e.g., consumers, etc.) considering the dispensing assembly 100. Assuch, the sprayer 106 (e.g., the type of the sprayer 106, the size ofthe sprayer 106, etc.) can be readily considered by consumers viewingthe dispensing assembly 100 on a shelf at a retail location in decidingto purchase the dispensing assembly 100.

The dispensing assembly 100 of the illustrated embodiment furtherprovides a ready to use system for dispensing fluid. For example, thedispensing assembly 100 can be provided to a user with a premixed readyto spray liquid formulation in the container 104 and the sprayer 106coupled to the container 104 ready for use to dispense the liquidformulation from the container 104. The sprayer 106 is simply uncoupledfrom the container 104, and the tubing 150 then coupled to the cap 134of the container 104. The actuator 138 of the sprayer 106 can then bemoved to draw fluid out of the container 104 for discharge onto desiredtargets. As such, the dispensing assembly 100 is shelf ready (e.g.,ready for retailers to place on shelves for sale to consumers and readyfor immediate use by consumers, etc.).

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate another example embodiment of a dispensingassembly 200 according to the present disclosure. The dispensingassembly 200 is substantially similar to the dispensing assembly 100illustrated in FIGS. 1-20. For example, the dispensing assembly 200generally includes a container 204 and a sprayer 206. And, the sprayer206 is configured to couple to the container 204 (in similar fashion tothat previously described for the dispensing assembly 100). In thisembodiment, however, the sprayer 206 includes separate first and secondbody portions 206 d, 206 e, as well as a separate arm 242. The first andsecond body portions 206 d, 206 e are coupled (e.g., welded, etc.)together along joint 270, and the arm 242 is coupled (e.g., welded,etc.) to the second body 206 e portion along joint 272. As such, in thisexample embodiment, the arm 242 can be formed separate from the bodyportions 206 d, 206 e of the sprayer 206 and subsequently coupledthereto as desired (e.g., when assembling the sprayer 206, whenassembling the dispensing assembly 200, etc.). With that said, it shouldbe appreciated that the body portions 206 d, 206 e of the sprayer 206and the arm 242 of the sprayer 206 can be formed from any suitableprocess (e.g., a molding process, etc.).

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate another example embodiment of a dispensingassembly 300 according to the present disclosure. The dispensingassembly 300 of this embodiment is substantially similar to thedispensing assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-20. For example, thedispensing assembly generally includes a container 304 and a sprayer306. And, the sprayer 306 is configured to couple to the container 304(in similar fashion to that previously described for the dispensingassembly 100). In this embodiment, however, the sprayer 306 includes anarm 342 formed separate from the sprayer 306 and coupled thereto. Inparticular, the sprayer 306 includes a tab 376 formed along an upperside portion of the sprayer 306, and the arm 342 includes a recess 378.The recess 378 of the arm 342 is configured to fit over the tab 376 ofthe sprayer 306, such that the arm 342 can be press-fit (e.g.,compression fit, resistance fit, friction fit, etc.) onto the sprayer306. Thus, in this embodiment, the arm 342 can again be formed separatefrom the sprayer 306 and subsequently coupled thereto as desired (e.g.,when assembling the sprayer 306, when assembling the dispensing assembly300, etc.). It should be appreciated that the sprayer 306 and the arm342 of the sprayer 306 can be formed from any suitable process (e.g., amolding process, etc.). In some aspects of the present disclosure, thearm 342 may be further secured to the sprayer 306 by additional means(e.g., heat stake, welds (e.g., sonic welds, etc.), adhesive (e.g.,glue, etc.), mechanical fasteners, etc.). In these aspects, the tab 376of the sprayer 306 and the recess 378 of the arm 342 also operate tohelp align the arm 342 on the sprayer 306 prior to securing the arm 342to the sprayer 306 via the additional means.

In other example embodiments, dispensing assemblies may include sprayerssimilar to the sprayer 306 of the dispensing assembly 300, but wherearms of the sprayers include tabs and where the sprayers includerecesses configured to receive the tabs of the arms for use inpress-fitting the arms onto the sprayers. As such, it should beappreciated that any desired combination and/or any desired number ofmating components (e.g., male/female components, etc.) could be usedwith sprayers and arms for coupling them together within the scope ofthe present disclosure, for example, tabs, recesses, nubs, openings,notches, flanges, flanges with lips, etc. What's more, the matingcomponents may have any suitable configuration (e.g., horizontal flangesconfigured to be received in corresponding openings, L-shaped flangesconfigured to be received in corresponding openings, nubs configured tobe received in corresponding openings, pins configured to be received incorresponding openings, protrusions configured to be received incorresponding recesses, etc.). Still further, the mating components mayalso operate to help align the arms with the sprayers when coupling themtogether (with additional means (as described herein) then also used tohelp secure the arms to the sprayers).

In one example embodiment, a dispensing assembly includes a sprayer withan arm having a flange extending generally downwardly at an angle (e.g.,about ninety degrees, greater than about ninety degrees, less than aboutninety degrees, etc.) from the arm. And, the sprayer includes an opening(e.g., in a side surface of the sprayer, etc.) configured to receive(e.g., to hook, etc.) the flange therein (e.g., in a nesting fashion,etc.) for use in coupling the arm to the sprayer. In some aspects, thearm may then be further secured to the sprayer 306 by additional means(e.g., heat stake, welds (e.g., sonic welds, etc.), adhesive (e.g.,glue, etc.), mechanical fasteners, etc.).

In another example embodiment, a dispensing assembly includes a sprayerwith an arm having a flange extending generally outwardly from an uppersurface of the arm (e.g., such that the flange is generally coplanarwith the upper surface of the arm, etc.). And, the sprayer includes anotch opening (e.g., in an upper surface of the sprayer, etc.)configured to receive the flange therein (e.g., in a nesting fashion,etc.) for use in coupling the arm to the sprayer. In some aspects, thearm may then be further secured to the sprayer 306 by additional means(e.g., heat stake, welds (e.g., sonic welds, etc.), adhesive (e.g.,glue, etc.), mechanical fasteners, etc.).

In another example embodiment, a dispensing assembly includes a sprayerwith an arm having a flange extending generally away from the arm. And,the sprayer includes an opening (e.g., in a side surface of the sprayer,in an upper surface of the sprayer, etc.) configured to receive theflange therein for use in coupling the arm to the sprayer. The flange ofthe arm includes protrusions (e.g., dimples, tabs, etc.), and theopening of the sprayer includes corresponding recesses, voids, etc.defined therein for receiving the protrusions to thereby provide asnap-fit coupling between the arm and the sprayer (e.g., a permanentsnap-fit coupling, a releasable snap-fit coupling, etc.) when the flangeis received in the opening. In some aspects, the arm may then be furthersecured to the sprayer 306 by additional means (e.g., heat stake, welds(e.g., sonic welds, etc.), adhesive (e.g., glue, etc.), mechanicalfasteners, etc.) if desired.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate another example embodiment of a dispensingassembly 400 according to the present disclosure. The dispensingassembly 400 of this embodiment is again substantially similar to thedispensing assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-20. For example, thedispensing assembly 400 generally includes a container 404 and a sprayer406. And, the sprayer 406 is configured to couple to the container 404.

In this embodiment, the sprayer 406 includes an arm 442 releasablycoupled to the sprayer 406. In particular, a tab 476 is formed along anupper side portion of the sprayer 406, and a slot 478 is formed in anend portion of the arm 442. The slot 478 of the arm 442 is configured(e.g., keyed, etc.) to receive (e.g., slide over, etc.) the tab 476 ofthe sprayer 406 to thereby releasably couple the arm 442 to the sprayer406. Thus, in this embodiment, the arm 442 can again be formed separatefrom the sprayer 406 and subsequently coupled thereto as desired (e.g.,when assembling the sprayer 406, when assembling the dispensing assembly400, etc.). The sprayer 406 and the arm 442 of the sprayer 406 can againbe formed from any suitable process (e.g., a molding process, etc.). Inother example embodiments, dispensing assemblies may include sprayerssimilar to the sprayer 406 of the dispensing assembly 400, but wherearms of the sprayers include tabs and where the sprayers include slotsconfigured to receive the tabs of the arms for use in releasablycoupling the arms to the sprayers. What's more, it should be appreciatedthat the tabs and the slots can have any desired configurations (e.g.,any desired keyed configurations such as, for example, tongue-and-grooveconfigurations, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure.

The sprayer 406 initially couples to the container 404 (e.g., wheninitially assembling the dispensing assembly 400, etc.) by positioningthe arm 442 (which is already coupled to the sprayer 406) over a handle426 of the container 404 and within a groove 430 provided around atleast part of the handle 426. The arm 442 is resiliently flexible toprovide a snap-fit coupling of the arm over (and at least partly around)the handle 426. A generally first portion 442 a of the arm 442 isdisposed along an upper portion of the handle 426. A generally secondportion 442 b of the arm 442 is disposed along a rearward portion of thehandle 426. A first lip 446 of the arm 442 is disposed generally underthe handle 426. And, a second lip of the arm 442 is disposed along aforward portion of the handle 426. In addition, the sprayer 406 ispositioned within a recess 454 defined by the container 404. A forwardside surface of the sprayer 406 is generally flush with a non-recessedsurface portion of a forward wall 414, an upper surface of the sprayer406 is generally flush, coplanar, etc. with an upper surface of thehandle 426, and a right side surface (as viewed in FIG. 27) of thesprayer 406 is generally flush with a side wall 420 of the container404.

In use, to uncouple the sprayer 406 from the container 404, the sprayer406 is separated from the arm 442 by moving the tab 476 of the sprayer406 out of the slot 478 of the arm 442. The arm 442 remains coupled tothe handle 426 of the container 404. Then, to recouple the sprayer 406to the container 404, the tab 476 of the sprayer 406 is positioned(e.g., slid, etc.) back within the recess 478 of the arm 442.

FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate another example embodiment of a dispensingassembly 500 according to the present disclosure. The dispensingassembly 500 is substantially similar to the dispensing assembly 100illustrated in FIGS. 1-20. For example, the dispensing assembly 500generally includes a container 504 and a sprayer 506. And, the sprayer506 is configured to couple to the container 504. In this embodiment,however, the sprayer 506 includes an arm 542 with a generally arcuateshape. The arm 542 can be formed as one piece with the sprayer 506, orthe arm 542 can be formed separate from the sprayer 506 and coupledthereto within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the arm542 may be resiliently flexible to help provide a friction fit betweenthe arm 542 and the handle 526 (to thereby help hold the sprayer 506 onthe container 504). In use, the sprayer 506 couples to the container 504by positioning the arm 542 over a handle 526 of the container 504 (e.g.,within a groove 530 provided around at least part of the handle 526,etc.). In this position, a forward portion of the handle 526 is receivedwithin a channel 556 defined by ribs 544 of the sprayer 506. The arm 542may be resiliently flexible to help provide a friction fit between thearm 542 and the handle 526 (to thereby help hold the sprayer 506 on thecontainer 504). Further, the weight of the sprayer 506 (combined withthe offset positioning of the arm 542) may also help hold the sprayer506 on the container 504. Ribs may be provided along the arm 542 and/oralong the sprayer 506 to help reinforce the arm 542, for example, whenflexing the arm 542 to couple the sprayer 506 to the container 504, etc.

FIGS. 33-35 illustrate another example embodiment of a dispensingassembly 600 according to the present disclosure. The dispensingassembly 600 is substantially similar to the dispensing assembly 100illustrated in FIGS. 1-20. For example, the dispensing assembly 600generally includes a container 604 and a sprayer 606. And, the sprayer606 is configured to couple to the container 604 (in similar fashion tothat previously described for the dispensing assembly 100). In thisembodiment, the sprayer 606 includes an arm 642 pivotally coupled to thesprayer 606 along hinge 684. The arm 642 can be formed as one piece(e.g., monolithically, etc.) with the sprayer 606 such that the hinge684 is a living hinge coupling the arm 642 to the sprayer 606. Or, thearm 642 can be formed separate from the sprayer 606 and pivotallycoupled thereto via the hinge 684 (e.g., using a piano hinge, etc.).Ribs 644 a are formed along an upper portion of the arm 642. And,corresponding ribs 644 b are formed along an upper portion of thesprayer 606 which are configured to abut the ribs 644 a of the arm 642when the arm 642 is pivoted upward into position for coupling thesprayer 606 to the container 604. The arm 642 and/or container 604 mayfurther include structure (e.g., tabs, etc.) that operate to secure thearm 642 in the position for coupling the sprayer 606 to the container604 (e.g., upon pivoting the arm 606 upward, etc.).

Thus, in this embodiment, the sprayer 606 can be initially formed withthe arm 642 positioned generally downward (e.g., adjacent a handleportion 606 b of the sprayer 606, etc.) and not extended (e.g., forshipping, etc.) (FIG. 34). The arm 642 can then be extended, forexample, when assembling the dispensing assembly 600 so that the sprayer606 can be coupled to the container 604 (FIG. 35). It should beappreciated that the arm 642 of the sprayer 606 can have any desiredshape within the scope of the present disclosure such as, for example,an L-shape as illustrated in FIGS. 33-35, a C-shape, etc.

FIGS. 36-43 illustrate another example embodiment of a dispensingassembly 700 according to the present disclosure. The dispensingassembly 700 is substantially similar to the dispensing assembly 100illustrated in FIGS. 1-20. And, the dispensing assembly 700 can be usedin applications such as, for example, pest control, weed control, etc.In connection with such applications, the dispensing assembly 700 can beused in settings such as residential settings, commercial settings, etc.in and around homes, businesses, lawns, gardens, etc. And, any desiredfluid may be used (e.g., dispensed, etc.) in connection with thedispensing assembly 700 including, for example, pesticides, herbicides,other liquid formulations, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the dispensing assembly 700 generallyincludes a container 704 and a sprayer 706. The container 704 isconfigured to hold fluid for use in the desired application of thedispensing assembly 700. And, the sprayer 706 is configured to drawfluid out of the container 704 for dispensing, applying, etc. the fluidat desired targets (e.g., unwanted insects, plants, etc.) associatedwith the application of the dispensing assembly 700.

The sprayer 706 of the illustrated dispensing assembly 700 can beselectively coupled to and uncoupled, removed, etc. from the container704. For example, the sprayer 706 can be coupled (e.g., resilientlysnap-fit, etc.) to the container 704 for commercial presentation (e.g.,at the point of sale of the dispensing assembly 700, etc.), for storage,for transport, etc. of the dispensing assembly 700. Then, the sprayer706 can be uncoupled from the container 704 when desired to dispense thefluid from the container 704 (via the sprayer 706). And, the sprayer 706can then be recoupled (e.g., resiliently snap-fit, etc.) to thecontainer 704 again for storage, transport, etc.

The container 704 of the illustrated dispensing assembly 700 issubstantially similar to the container 104 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. Forexample, the container 704 includes an upper portion 710, a lowerportion 712, generally opposing forward and rearward walls 714, 716, andgenerally opposing side walls 718, 720. The upper portion 710, the lowerportion 712, and the walls 714, 716, 718, 720 define a volume within thecontainer 704 for holding fluid. The container 704 can have any desiredvolume within the scope of the present disclosure, for example (andwithout limitation), a one-half gallon volume, a one gallon volume, etc.

The upper portion 710 of the container 704 includes a spout 724(broadly, an opening) and a handle 726. The spout 724 is in fluidiccommunication with the container 704 and is configured for receivingfluid into the container 704 and/or for use in dispensing fluid from thecontainer 704. The handle 726 is configured for use in carrying thecontainer 704 (and sprayer 706, when the sprayer is coupled to thecontainer 704). The handle 726 extends generally horizontally along theupper portion 710 of the container 704, generally between the side wall720 and the spout 724. An opening 728 is defined generally between thehandle 726 and an upper surface of the container 704. The opening 728 isoriented such that, when a user grasps the handle 726, the user's handand/or fingers can extend into the opening 728 and, if desired, aroundthe handle 726. A groove 730 is provided around at least part of thehandle 726 for use in coupling the sprayer 706 to the container 704 (aswill be described in more detail hereinafter).

The container 704 also includes a cap 734 (broadly, a cover) removablycoupled to the spout 724. The cap 734 allows for selectively coveringand uncovering the spout 724 to selectively allow and inhibit access tothe fluid in the container 704. In addition, the cap 734 is configuredto fluidically couple the sprayer 706 to the container 704, aspreviously described in connection with dispensing assembly 100.

With reference now to FIGS. 38-43, the sprayer 706 of the illustrateddispensing assembly 700 includes a head portion 706 a, a handle portion706 b, and an actuator 738 (e.g., a trigger, etc.). The head portion 706a and the handle portion 706 b are arranged in a pistol-styleconfiguration, with the handle portion 706 b contoured to receive a handof a user and the actuator 738 located adjacent the handle portion 706 bto receive a finger of the user's hand.

In use of the dispensing assembly 700, a user can initially adjust(e.g., rotate, etc.) a tip portion 760 (or tip, or nozzle) of thesprayer 706 to select a desired spray setting (e.g., from a closedsetting, indicated by the “X” on the tip portion 760, to one of thespray settings indicated by the various patterns on the tip portion 760,etc.). Then, with one hand, the user can grasp the handle portion 706 bof the sprayer 706 and position a finger on the actuator 738 fordispensing fluid from the container 704, and with the other hand carrythe container 704 via the handle 726. The user can then move theactuator 738 (e.g., pull the actuator 738 toward the handle portion 706b, pump the actuator 738, etc.) to thereby dispense fluid from thecontainer 704. As such the dispensing assembly 700 can provide a mobileunit for a user to quickly and easily dispense fluid at desired targets.The sprayer 706 can include suitable valves and working mechanisms fordispensing (e.g., for drawing, sucking, etc.) fluid from the container704 within the scope of the present disclosure. What's more, the sprayer706 can be formed from any suitable materials (e.g., plastics, polymericresinous material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), compositematerials, etc.) and/or by any suitable processes (e.g., moldingprocesses, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure.

The sprayer 706 of the illustrated dispensing assembly 700 also includesa clip portion 706 c located adjacent the head portion 706 a for use incoupling the sprayer 706 to the container 704. In this embodiment, theclip portion 706 c includes upper and lower arms 740, 742 extendinglaterally away from the head portion 706 a, and ribs 744 disposed alonga side surface of the head portion 706 a (generally below the upper arm740). In addition in this embodiment, the upper and lower arms 740, 742of the clip portion 706 c are formed as one piece (e.g., monolithically,unitarily, etc.) with the head portion 706 a.

The upper arm 740 of the clip portion 706 c is formed generallycontinuously with an upper surface of the head portion 706 a of thesprayer 706. The lower arm 742 is disposed generally below the upper arm740 and extends generally outwardly from the head portion 706 a of thesprayer 706. In this embodiment, the lower arm 742 defines a generallyL-shape and includes a first portion 742 a that is generally parallel tothe upper arm 740 and a second portion 742 b (or tab, or lip, etc.)extending generally upwardly from the first portion 742 a. Ribs 748 areprovided generally along the first portion 742 a of the lower arm 742,for example, to help strengthen, etc. the first portion 742 a. In otherembodiments, dispensing assemblies may include sprayers in which clipportions of the sprayers include upper arms that define generallyL-shapes and lower arms that are generally straight, or in which clipportions of the sprayers include upper and lower arms that definegenerally L-shapes.

The sprayer 706 of the illustrated dispensing assembly 700 furtherincludes tubing 750 configured to fluidically couple the sprayer 706 tothe container 704 for transporting fluid from the container 704 to thesprayer 706 (for dispensing). The tubing 750 extends through the handleportion 706 b of the sprayer 706 and, at one end portion (not visible),operatively couples to the head portion 706 a of the sprayer 706 (e.g.,to valves, pumps, etc. in the sprayer 106). An opposite end portion 750a of the tubing 750 is then configured to selectively couple to the cap734 of the container 704 (e.g., when desired to dispense fluid from thecontainer 704, etc.). The tubing 750 is generally flexible. And, theflexibility of the tubing 750 permits the sprayer 706 to be moved in anydirection relative to the container 704. With that said, the end portion750 a of the tubing 750 can couple to the cap 734 of the container 704by any suitable operations, for example, as previously described fordispensing assembly 100, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 706 b of the sprayer706 is generally hollow. As such, the tubing 750 can be positionedwithin the handle portion 706 b when not in use (e.g., for storage,etc.). When desired to dispense fluid from the container 704 using thesprayer 706, the tubing 750 can then be removed from the handle portion706 b of the sprayer 706 and coupled to the container 704, via the cap734, for providing fluid from the container 704 to the sprayer 706through the tubing 750. After such use, the tubing 750 may be uncoupledfrom the cap 734 of the container 704 and repositioned within the handleportion 706 b of the sprayer 706 (if desired).

With reference again to FIGS. 36 and 37, in the dispensing assembly 700,when the sprayer 706 is coupled to the container 704, the sprayer 706 isdisposed generally along the forward wall 714 of the container 704generally within a recess 754 defined by the forward wall 714. The headportion 706 a of the sprayer 706 is disposed adjacent the opening 728 ofthe container 704 (e.g., next to the opening 728 of the container 704,at least partly in the opening 728 of the container 704, at the samevertical level as the opening 728 of the container 704, etc.) and towardthe side wall 720 of the container 704. The actuator 738 of the sprayer706 is located generally above the recess 754, and at the same generallevel as the opening 728 of the container 704.

The sprayer 706 is coupled to the container 704 via the clip portion 706c. In particular, a portion of the handle 726 at the groove 730 isreceived within a channel 756 defined by the upper and lower arms 740,742 of the sprayer 706, with the upper arm 740 positioned over thehandle 726 (and generally within the groove 730) and the lower arm 742positioned under the handle 726 (and generally within the groove 730).In this position, the upper arm 740 is disposed along an upper portionof the handle 126. The first portion 742 a of the lower arm 142 isdisposed along a lower portion of the handle, and the second portion 742b of the lower arm 742 is disposed along, or extends around a part of, arearward portion of the handle 726. As such, the lower arm 142 extendsat least partly around the handle 726 of the container 704. And, theribs 744 of the sprayer 706 engage a portion of the handle 126 to helpinhibit undesired movement (or play) of the sprayer 706 relative to thecontainer 704 (e.g., to help support the sprayer 706 on the container,etc.).

As in other embodiments, the upper and lower arms 740, 742 of thesprayer 706 are resiliently flexible to accommodate positioning (andrepeated repositioning) of the arms 740, 742 over (and partly around)the handle 726 (e.g., for repeated removal and reattachment of thesprayer 706 to the handle 726 of the container 704, etc.). As such, thesprayer 706 (via the upper and lower arms 740, 742) is resiliently snapfit onto the handle 726 of the container 704. Further, the weight of thesprayer 706 combined with the offset positioning of the lower arm 742relative to the upper arm 740 and the positioning of the ribs 744(together with the snap fit coupling of the sprayer 706 onto the handle726 of the container 704) may help hold (e.g., via a counterbalanceeffect, etc.) the sprayer on the container 704.

To uncouple the sprayer 706 from the container 704, the lower arm 742 ofthe sprayer 706 can be biased to release the second portion 742 b fromaround the handle 726. The sprayer 706 can then be slid or pivoted offthe handle 726 to move the entire arm 742 out of the groove 730 of thehandle 726.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clip portion 706 c of the sprayer 706resiliently snap-fits to the handle 726 of the container 704. Thisallows for quick coupling and uncoupling of the sprayer 706 to and fromthe handle 726 of the container 704. In addition, the clip portion 706 cprovides a generally self-contained attachment means of the sprayer 706to the container 704. Additional fasteners are not required to couplethe sprayer 706 to the container 704 (although they may still beprovided in some embodiments). Further, the clip portion 706 c securelycouples the sprayer 706 to the container 704 against inadvertent removalsuch that, in preparation for initial shipping and sale of thedispensing assembly 700, additional securing means (e.g., adhesive suchas glue and tape, mechanical straps, shrink wrap, etc.) are not requiredfor securing the sprayer 706 to the container 704.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the sprayer 706 is coupled to thecontainer 704 generally within a footprint defined by the container 704,and generally within a perimeter defined by the upper portion 710, lowerportion 712, and walls 714, 716, 718, 720 of the container 704. Therecess 754 defined by the forward wall 714 of the container 704 isconfigured to accommodate and receive substantially the entire sprayer706 (e.g., the sprayer 706 nests within the recess 754 against theforward wall 714 of the container 704, etc.). As such, a forward sidesurface of the sprayer 706 is generally flush with a non-recessedsurface portion of the forward wall 714. In addition, an upper surfaceof the head portion 706 a and clip portion 706 c of the sprayer 706 aregenerally flush, coplanar, align, etc. with the upper surface of thehandle 726. And, a right side surface (as viewed in FIGS. 36 and 37) ofthe sprayer 706 is generally flush with the side wall 720 of thecontainer 704. Thus, the sprayer 706 occupies no additional shelf spaceor box space than the container 704 would without the sprayer 706, whichcan allow the dispensing assembly 700 to be compactly boxed, stored,shipped, displayed, etc.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the sprayer 706 is coupled to thehandle 726 of the container 704 toward the upper portion of thecontainer 704. As such, the recess 754 defined by the forward wall 714of the container 704 is positioned generally higher on the container 704which provides more volume within the container 704 below the recess 754(as compared to other known containers). As a result, the overall depthof the container 704 (extending between the forward wall 714 andrearward wall 716) can be reduced without decreasing a total volume ofthe container 704. For example, the depth of the container 704 may bereduced by at least about 0.25 inches or more without decreasing thetotal volume of the container 704. In turn, the footprint of thecontainer 704 can be reduced without decreasing the total volume of thecontainer 704. What's more, the actuator 738 of the sprayer 706 islocated generally above the recess 754, such that the recess can have agenerally generic shape without having to specifically accommodate theactuator 738.

Further in the illustrated embodiment, the sprayer 706 is coupled to thecontainer 704 along the forward wall 714 of the container 704. Thispositions the sprayer 706 in an immediately visible location to users(e.g., consumers, etc.) considering the dispensing assembly 700. Assuch, the sprayer 706 (e.g., the type of the sprayer 706, the size ofthe sprayer 706, etc.) can be readily considered by consumers viewingthe dispensing assembly 700 on a shelf at a retail location in decidingto purchase the dispensing assembly 700.

The dispensing assembly 700 of the illustrated embodiment furtherprovides a ready to use system for dispensing fluid. For example, thedispensing assembly 700 can be provided to a user with a premixed readyto spray liquid formulation in the container 704 and the sprayer 706coupled to the container 704 ready for use to dispense the liquidformulation from the container 704. The sprayer 706 is simply uncoupledfrom the container 704, and the tubing 750 then coupled to the cap 734of the container 704. The actuator 738 of the sprayer 706 can then bemoved to draw fluid out of the container 704 for discharge onto desiredtargets. As such, the dispensing assembly 700 is shelf ready (e.g.,ready for retailers to place on shelves for sale to consumers and readyfor immediate use by consumers, etc.).

In other example embodiments of the present disclosure, dispensingassemblies generally includes containers and sprayers. In one of theseexample embodiments, a container has a height of about 12 inches, awidth of about 7.75 inches, and a depth of about 4.25 inches. A handleopening of the container has a width of about 3.47 inches and a heightof about 0.79 inches. And, a sprayer has a height of about 6.1 inches, awidth of about 3.3 inches, and a depth of about 1.1 inches.

In other example embodiments of the present disclosure, dispensingassemblies may include sprayers and containers, where the sprayersinclude arms configured to resiliently snap-fit to vertical portions ofhandles of the containers. In so doing, the sprayers may be locatedwithin recesses defined by walls of the containers, and upper surfacesof the sprayers may be generally aligned with upper surfaces of thecontainers, when the sprayers are coupled to the containers. Here, thehandles may be oriented along upper surfaces of the containers, alongvertical surfaces (e.g., side walls, etc.) of the containers, etc.

In other example embodiments of the present disclosure, dispensingassemblies may include sprayers and containers where the sprayersinclude arms shaped substantially similar to the arms disclosure herein(e.g., arms 142, 242, 342, 442, 542, 642, 740, 742, etc.), but generallyinverted. Here, the arms of the sprayers may be resiliently flexible tohelp provide a snap-fit coupling of the arms generally under (and atleast partly around) the handles of the containers. For example, firstportions of the arms may be disposed along lower portions of thehandles, second portions of the arms may be disposed along rearwardportions of the handles, and lips of the arms may be disposed generallyover the handles.

In other example embodiments of the present disclosure, dispensingassemblies may include sprayers and containers where the sprayers (e.g.,clip portions of the sprayers, etc.) couple to portions of thecontainers other than the handles. In these example embodiments, thesprayers are still located generally higher on the containers (whencoupled to the containers) such that, for example, upper portions of thesprayers are still positioned generally coplanar, aligned, flush, etc.with upper portions of the containers (e.g., with upper portions of thehandles of the containers when the containers include handles alongtheir upper portions; with upper portions, upper surfaces, etc. of thecontainers when the containers do not include upper handles, etc.). Forexample, the sprayers may couple to upper surfaces of the containersbelow the handles (e.g., within openings defined below the handles,etc.), or to upper surfaces of the containers when the containers do notinclude such upper handles, or to side surfaces of the containers, or tovertical portions of handles of the containers, etc. Also for example,the sprayers may couple to the containers within openings defined belowthe handles of the containers (e.g., to upper surfaces of the containersbelow the handles and/or to lower surfaces of the handles.

Specific dimensions included herein are exemplary in nature and do notlimit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, specificdimensions included herein are provided within acceptable tolerancesgenerally common in the art (e.g., dimensions with no decimal point mayinclude tolerances of +/−0.12; dimensions with one decimal point mayinclude tolerances of +/−0.6; dimensions with two decimal points mayinclude tolerances of +/−0.03; etc.).

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid, thedispensing assembly comprising: a container having a wall defining arecess, and having a handle for use in carrying the container; and asprayer configured to couple to the container at the handle, the sprayerincluding first and second arms for use in coupling the sprayer to thehandle of the container; wherein the recess of the wall of the containeris configured to receive the sprayer into the recess when the sprayer iscoupled to the container such that the sprayer is disposed generallywithin a footprint of the container.
 2. The dispensing assembly of claim1, wherein the handle of the container includes a groove configured toreceive at least part of the first and second arms of the sprayertherein when the sprayer is coupled to the container.
 3. The dispensingassembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second armsof the sprayer includes a lip configured to extend at least partlyaround the handle of the container when the sprayer is coupled to thecontainer.
 4. The dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the first armof the sprayer is generally coplanar with an upper surface of thesprayer when the sprayer is coupled to the container.
 5. The dispensingassembly of claim 1, wherein the sprayer further includes at least onerib configured to engage the handle of the container when the sprayer iscoupled to the container to help support the sprayer on the container.6. The dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the sprayer is furtherdisposed within a perimeter defined by the container when the sprayer iscoupled to the container at the handle.
 7. A method of making adispensing assembly suitable for use to dispense fluid at desiredtargets, the method comprising: forming a container having a walldefining a recess, and having a handle; forming a sprayer having meansfor coupling the sprayer to the handle of the container, such that thesprayer is disposed within the recess of the wall of the container whenthe sprayer is coupled to the container and disposed generally within afootprint of the container; and forming a groove around at least part ofthe handle, the groove configured to receive at least part of the meansof the sprayer when the sprayer is coupled to the container.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the means for coupling the sprayer to thehandle of the container include first and second arms; and whereinforming the sprayer further includes forming the first arm with agenerally planar shape, and forming the second arm generally below thefirst arm with a generally L-shape.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinforming the sprayer further includes forming the sprayer with a headportion and a handle portion arranged in a pistol-style configuration.10. The method of claim 9, wherein forming the sprayer further includesforming the first and second arms of the sprayer monolithically with thehead portion of the sprayer.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein formingthe sprayer further includes forming the first arm of the sprayer to begenerally coplanar with an upper surface of the sprayer when the sprayeris coupled to the handle of the container, and forming the second arm ofthe sprayer generally below the first arm and with a lip configured toextend at least partly around the handle of the container when thesprayer is coupled to the handle of the container.
 12. A dispensingassembly for dispensing fluid at desired targets, the dispensingassembly comprising a sprayer having a head portion and a handle portionarranged in a pistol-style configuration, the head portion having firstand second arms extending away from the head portion and at least onerib disposed generally between the first and second arms, the first armdisposed generally above the second arm, and at least one of the firstand second arms having a generally L-shape.
 13. The dispensing assemblyof claim 12, wherein the first arm of the head portion of the sprayersprayer has a generally planar shape and the second arm of the headportion of the sprayer has the generally L-shape.
 14. The dispensingassembly of claim 12, wherein a free end portion of the second armincludes a lip extending away from the second arm generally toward thefirst arm.
 15. The dispensing assembly of claim 12, further comprising acontainer having a handle for use in carrying the container, the firstand second arms of the head portion of the sprayer configured to couplethe sprayer to the container at the handle of the container.
 16. Thedispensing assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least one of the firstand second arms of the head portion of the sprayer having the generallyL-shape further includes a lip configured to extend at least partlyaround the handle of the container when the sprayer is coupled to thecontainer.
 17. A method of making a dispensing assembly suitable for useto dispense fluid at desired targets, the method comprising: forming acontainer having a wall defining a recess, and having a handle; forminga sprayer having first and second arms for coupling the sprayer to thehandle of the container, such that the sprayer is disposed generallywithin the recess of the wall of the container when the sprayer iscoupled to the container and disposed within a footprint of thecontainer; and forming the first arm with a generally planar shape, andforming the second arm generally below the first arm with a generallyL-shape.
 18. A dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid at desiredtargets, the dispensing assembly comprising: a sprayer having a headportion and a handle portion arranged in a pistol-style configuration,the head portion having first and second arms extending away from thehead portion, the first arm disposed generally above the second arm, andat least one of the first and second arms having a generally L-shape;and a container having a handle for use in carrying the container, thefirst and second arms of the head portion of the sprayer configured tocouple the sprayer to the container at the handle of the container.